Holland America Line Sets Holiday Cruises for Families

Holland America Line Sets Holiday Cruises for Families

Holland America Line will operate 22 holiday cruises ranging from seven to 17 days. The line offers up to 50 percent savings, plus reduced rates for third and fourth guests sharing staterooms on select sailings. Special rates are geared toward families on several holiday cruises -- with six dates offering free or $199 rates for the third or fourth guest in a stateroom.

Double-occupancy fares start at $699 per person, plus tax, for a seven-day Caribbean holiday cruise. “With cruise values starting at $1,598 plus tax for a family of four sharing the same stateroom, ‘tis the season to travel,” said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president-marketing, sales and guest programs.

Onboard festivities include holiday decorations, traditional meals, seasonal movies, culinary classes and demonstrations featuring holiday treats, a visit from Santa, a cookie late-night snack, and a holiday show by the crew on Christmas Eve. Those sailing on any ship over Dec. 31 can attend a traditional New Year’s Eve Gala Ball with live music, dancing, festive attire and a midnight toast. Select college bowl games also will be broadcast on board. Each holiday voyage features clergy to conduct Catholic, Protestant and Jewish services (for cruises during Hanukkah).

Thirteen Caribbean holiday cruise options are available between Dec. 17 and Dec. 31 aboard seven ships --Westerdam, Maasdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Ryndam, Prinsendam and Noordam -- departing from Fort Lauderdale or Tampa over one or both holidays.

Departing from Fort Lauderdale, San Diego or Los Angeles in mid to late December, five cruises feature itineraries to the Mexican Riviera, Central America, Panama Canal and Caribbean. Also, a 14-day Circle Hawaii sailing aboard Zaandam departs San Diego Dec. 19 with Christmas Eve in Hilo, Christmas Day in Nawiliwili and New Year’s Day in Ensenada, Mexico. Departing Dec. 17 and with limited space, the 16-day Australia-New Zealand Holiday Cruise aboard Volendam explores the southern coast of Australia from Sydney before a tour of New Zealand ports such as Milford Sound and Auckland, and celebrating Christmas Eve in Wellington.

Guests who want their holidays adorned with snow and ice will see a white Christmas on the 17-day South America and Antarctica Explorer journey. Departing Valparaiso (Santiago), Chile, Dec. 20, Veendam will spend Christmas Eve cruising Darwin Channel and the Chilean Fjords, Christmas Day sailing Amalia Glacier Canal and New Year’s Eve in the Antarctic Sound.